Children in primary schools across Newport will be studying the new Ryder Cup-themed curriculum as they begin the autumn term this week.
The bilingual programme, which was developed by Newport City Council and The European Tour, will be taught to pupils in years 2 to 8 for the next seven weeks.
The syllabus is a world-first and it’s planned for it to be used again in future Ryder Cup host cities. It will teach the children new skills from literacy and numeracy to equalities, sustainable development, ICT and technology and has already been trialled at St Julian’s and Langstone Primary schools.
Head teacher of St Julian’s Primary School, David Rees said: “The children have enjoyed learning a whole range of skills using the new material devised by teachers in Newport to accompany the 2010 Ryder Cup. The work has given them a sense of pride in Newport and a greater knowledge of their home city.”
Leader of Newport City Council, Councillor Matthew Evans said: “This project not only demonstrates the excellent working relationship between Newport City Council and The European Tour, but also highlights the creativity and capacity for hard work we have in our education service and in schools across the city.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the teachers and staff who have put in long hours to ensure this project could go ahead. And I’d also like to thank The European Tour, for supporting Newport City Council in developing this project with The Ryder Cup branding.”
Richard Hills, European Tour Ryder Cup Director, said: “Ryder Cup Europe salutes the far-sightedness of Newport City Council Education Service in initiating the link between Newport hosting a world event such as The Ryder Cup and this unique curriculum opportunity.
“This is an outstanding example of how a major sporting occasion can interface with local and national schooling and we are hopeful that this first educational resource based on The Ryder Cup will roll out across the whole of Wales.
“We have been so impressed with the rich and memorable learning experience this will give to pupils – in addition to the positive legacy it will leave for the country itself – that we have flagged up the initiative to all five of the current bidding nations who are hopeful of following in Wales’ footsteps by hosting The Ryder Cup in 2018.”
The Ryder Cup educational resources can be found on the NGFL website. Please visit
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/therydercup2010newport
